Smoky skies prompt an air quality alert for all of Minnesota

[Fox 9 News, May 18, 2023] An air quality alert has been issued for the entire state of Minnesota Thursday due to airborne smoke from wildfires in western Canada. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency said the alert will run until 6 a.m. Friday.

Levels of fine air particles are so high that the air quality alert involves all Minnesotans in certain areas of the state, not just vulnerable groups like the elderly, children and those with chronic health conditions. 

Allina Health pulmonologist Dr. Andrew Stiehm talked with Fox 9 News about who could be most vulnerable to the health effects from the wildfire smoke.